This is one issue the Staples wrestling team has been grappling with this season, especially in its last two matches. Staples has lost senior captain Brad Menchaca, who wrestles in the 138-pound weight class, for the season because he broke two bones in his right wrist.

Senior captain Mikell Washington (195 and 220) and junior Jeremy Sherman (126) are two of the top contributors for the Wreckers, but missed a few meets, including the last two (78-0 at home to Trumbull Tuesday and 57-20 at Wilton Wednesday), which dropped the team to 5-9. Washington is undefeated and Sherman, who is 14-3, suffered their injuries at Bunnell Saturday, where Staples went 3-1 with victories over Bunnell (48-25), Enfield (54-24) and East Haven (36-32), and a 54-27 loss to Immaculate.

"It was nice getting back on the winning track even though we had guys get hurt," Wreckers coach Kevin Lippert said. "It's been rough and toughest thing is losing Brad."

Against Wilton, senior captain Mike O'Day (145) pinned his opponent and classmate Stephan Patterson (160) won by technical fall. Both O'Day and Patterson are wrestling well.

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Junior Alex Brown (132) is working on his technique while freshmen Charles Lomanto (128) and Justin Ludel (113) are showing potential while making the transition to high school varsity wrestling.

Lippert hopes he'll have Sherman and Washington back tomorrow for a multi-team meet at Maloney. He's confident the Wreckers will improve as the year progresses.